Allergies are known to cause symptoms including sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. A doctor can detect allergy by performing either a skin test or blood test.
Allergies occur when trees, grass and weeds release pollen into the air and your immune system responds by producing antibodies against it – leading to allergy symptoms.
Spring
As spring flowers bloom, millions of people who suffer from allergies experience itchy eyes and sneezing that is characteristic of allergy season. Allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis) can negatively impact one’s quality of life by leading to sleeplessness, fatigue headaches nasal congestion itchiness nose throat problems triggering or worsening asthma attacks as well as other medical complications.
Allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, occur when your immune system mistakenly perceives harmless items in the environment as threats and responds accordingly by producing antibodies known as immunoglobulin E or IgE that attack any invading substance and lead to symptoms like watery eyes, itchy throat and nose, sneezing coughing and congestion. Other common allergy triggers include tree, grass and ragweed pollen as well as house dust mites mold dander or pet dander dander.
Allergy symptoms typically begin appearing in spring and can continue into summer, according to Karen Ziemke, MD, an allergy specialist from Atlantic Health System. Birch and oak trees usually begin pollinating around March; maple pollen arrives April; while spruce pine pollen begins increasing around May – with symptoms peaking on dry windy days when pollen count spikes the most. You can prevent or at least reduce allergy symptoms by taking an antihistamine at the first sign – you can purchase one over-the-counter or consult with a medical provider about available medication that blocks histamine production from either source!
Summer
Allergies during summer can be caused by numerous airborne allergens that reach peak concentration at various times during the year, as well as high temperatures which cause symptoms to flare and last longer than they would typically do.
Seasonal allergies cause runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion. This affliction arises when trees, grasses, weeds or plants release pollen grains into the air to fertilize other plant cells; people allergic to pollen recognize this pollen as invaders to their immune systems, prompting their body to release chemicals such as histamines to protect themselves against it.
Antihistamines, decongestants and intranasal corticosteroids such as Flonase can often help manage symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. If these treatments don’t alleviate them, an allergist may conduct allergy testing (including skin and blood tests) to ascertain what’s causing your allergies and offer solutions.
Climate change-linked warmer temperatures have extended peak allergy season, leaving many with itchy eyes and runny noses throughout summer. Other environmental factors may exacerbate pollen and mold counts; allergy sufferers can find relief by staying indoors as much as possible and managing their symptoms with prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Fall
Fall is a new season filled with school, sports and cool temperatures–but seasonal allergies may also manifest themselves through runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, post-nasal drip and fatigue. Seasonal allergies occur when someone encounters something they are allergic to that their immune system overreacts against.
At this time of year, fall allergies tend to be brought on by ragweed pollen. The plant releases its pollen during warm nights and dry days from late summer into early fall; its effects can last as late as November or even into winter. Other sources of allergy irritants can include tree pollen (from Elm trees, American Holly trees, wall Pelitorys and Goosefoot trees), grass pollen and mold from leaves and foliage debris.
Allergies can affect people of any age or gender and at any point throughout their lives – be it childhood or adulthood. Animal dander allergies tend to be more prevalent among children than others and can result in itching, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin conditions.
Discuss your allergy symptoms with your family doctor to gain medical evaluation and referral to an allergist for testing and treatment. Allergists can prescribe oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants or immunotherapy injections which reduce airborne allergen sensitivity in your body over time.
Winter
Winter allergies often don’t receive as much recognition as their spring and summer counterparts do, yet they still affect many people. Common symptoms may include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes and irritated skin (allergic dermatitis).
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly interprets a substance in the environment as an invader and responds by producing chemicals such as histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins to release as part of its defense mechanism. As such, it’s crucial that you recognize whether you’re experiencing allergies rather than colds to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Outdoor allergens may go dormant during the winter, yet indoor irritants like dust mites, molds and pet dander remain present to cause allergy symptoms. Furthermore, climate impacts the types of allergens present at any given time.
Your allergist can prescribe medications to relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may reduce histamine production in your body to control symptoms while immunotherapy–whereby gradually exposing yourself to allergens–build tolerance so you won’t react with sneezing and other allergic responses when exposed.
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